# US 12,759,672 B2 · Device for towing a watercraft > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,759,672 B2 - Document ID: US12759672B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/123,821 - Filed: 2023-03-20 - Published: 2023-07-20 - Granted: 2026-10-13 - Earliest claimed: 2021-08-08 - Applicants: Timothy Leonard Jones - Inventors: Timothy Leonard Jones - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12759672B2 ## CPC - B63B 21/56: Towing or pushing equipment (tugs B63B35/66; towing arrangements for water sports use B63B34/60) - B63H 21/12: the vessels being motor-driven (B63H21/175, B63H21/18 take precedence; {cooling circuits with liquid-to-liquid heat-exchange relative to marine vessels F01P3/207}) - B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06) - B63H: MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING (propulsion of air-cushion vehicles B60V1/14; specially adapted for submarines, other than nuclear propulsion, B63G; specially adapted for torpedoes F42B19/00) ## Abstract A device for towing a watercraft is disclosed. The device comes in a box-like structure such as a lunch box, tackle-box or cooler. The device connects to the watercraft via a cable. The watercraft includes an inner tube, a stand-up paddle board, a kayak, etc. The device stores personal items and electronic components. The device includes a propulsion system for providing thrust force to propel the device in a given direction. The device tows the watercraft with or without a user on it in the given direction and speed defined by the user. The device includes a transceiver for receiving instructions wirelessly from an electronic device operated by the user. The device allows the user to stand or sit on the watercraft and perform a variety of activities such as photography, eating, communicating, etc. while being towed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A device for towing a watercraft, the device comprising: a container, said container comprises an interior; a watercraft, wherein said watercraft connects at an outer surface of said container; and a propulsion system, wherein said propulsion system positions underneath said interior, wherein said propulsion system comprises: an intake channel; an exhaust pipe; and a propulsion member, wherein said propulsion member protrudes backwards and positions outside of said container, wherein said propulsion member rotates and keeps said device stable in water, wherein said propulsion member connects to said intake channel and said exhaust pipe, wherein said propulsion member draws the water through said intake channel and pumps out the water via said exhaust pipe, and wherein said propulsion member exerts linear thrust upon the water such that said container moves forward or backward and tows said watercraft; and a transceiver for receiving instructions wirelessly from an electronic device for operating said device. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a lid, wherein said lid removably positions over said container, and wherein said lid connects to said container via a hinge. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein said lid comprises a seal, wherein said seal covers a gap between said lid and said container and prevents the water from entering said interior. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein said lid comprises a latch to lock and unlock said lid over said container. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein said lid is transparent allowing a user to see through contents in said interior. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein said interior comprises a battery, and wherein said battery powers said propulsion member to maneuver over the water. ### Claim 7 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein said lid comprises a handle for carrying said device. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein said lid comprises a display to control operation of said device. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The device of claim 8, wherein said display configures to define a path for said device to travel over the water. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9, wherein said device further comprises an obstruction detection sensor and a collision avoidance system, wherein said obstruction detection sensor detects objects in said path, and wherein said collision avoidance system maneuvers said device to avoid collision with said objects. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein said watercraft connects to said container via a cable. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The device of claim 11, wherein said propulsion system stops thereby not generating thrust on the water upon detecting said cable is detached from said container. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprises a location sensor, wherein said location sensor determines a location of said device. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The device of claim 13, further comprises a position sensor, wherein said position sensor determines a direction or an orientation of said device. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein said watercraft includes an inner tube, and wherein said inner tube deflates when not in use, folds and positions in said interior. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein said watercraft allows a user to sit or stand while being towed by said container. ### Claim 17 A method of towing a watercraft, said method comprising: providing a container having an interior; providing a watercraft connecting at an outer surface of said container; providing a propulsion system, said propulsion system positioning underneath said interior; providing an intake channel, an exhaust pipe and a propulsion member in said propulsion system, said propulsion member protruding backwards and positioning outside of said container; connecting said propulsion member to said intake channel and said exhaust pipe; drawing water through said intake channel and pumping out the water via said exhaust pipe by said propulsion member; and exerting linear thrust upon the water by said propulsion member for keeping said device stable in the water and moving said container forward or backward in order to tow said watercraft; and receiving instructions wirelessly via a transceiver from an electronic device for operating said device. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, further comprising: defining a path for said device to travel on the water; providing an obstruction detection sensor for detecting objects in said path; and providing a collision avoidance system for maneuvering said device to avoid collision with said objects. ### Claim 19 A watercraft towing system, comprising: at least one towing device further comprising: a container, said container comprises an interior compartment for holding items to be conveyed by said watercraft towing system; a watercraft, wherein said watercraft connects at an outer surface of said container; and a propulsion system; a controller associated with said at least one towing device, said controller providing control signals for operating and controlling said propulsion system; said controller further comprising a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication with said propulsion system; at least one wireless device controllably receiving and processing said wireless communication from said controller, said wireless communication circuit selected from the group consisting of a personal mobile communication device, and at least one wireless tracker comprising sensors, wireless network and services including GPS, mapping system, social network, apps, wireless network, camera, and processing resources; said at least one wireless device configured to selectively receive and process said wireless communication from said towing device controller, said at least one wireless device located either within said container or within said watercraft; at least one processing and sensing system for use with said controller and said at least one wireless device for determining a relative orientation between said watercraft and said container; and further wherein said controller and said wireless device operate collaboratively to steer said watercraft in a desired direction. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising a wired interface for receiving instructions from an electronic device for operating said device. ### Claim 21 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving instructions via a wired interface from an electronic device for operating said device.